7 Great Reads for Event Organizers

As event organizers, we know that event planning is a continually growing and changing line of work. We need to be constantly learning so we are capable of evolving along with the business of planning events.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of must-reads for event organizers.

Confessions of an Event Planner by Judy Allen

Event-planning rock star Judy Allen has put together a helpful and engaging book about real-life event planning shenanigans, made useful by her funny analysis of what not to do when planning events.

It shows a great variety of clients, locations and types of events, so there is a take-away lesson no matter what kind of event planning you do.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book, though not specific to event planning, is essential for event organizers.

The principles in this classic book are time-tested (the book has been around for over sixty years!) and is still applicable in almost every setting today.

For event planners who need to learn how to handle people, this book is a necessary resource.

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln by James C. Humes

Whether you’re presenting new ideas to your team or trying to land a big sponsor, knowing the art of captivating the attention of your audience is a vital one.

This book by James C. Humes is a great read on how to take lessons from some of the greatest public speakers of all time and apply them in your professional life now.

Reflections of a Successful Wallflower: Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life by Andrea Michaels

This semi-autobiographical book by special events expert Andrea Michaels is a funny, laugh-out-loud book that also contains valuable, practical event planning lessons.

Michaels has won over fifty awards over the course of her event planning career, so her experiences are relevant and her advice is something to take to heart.

Into the Heart of Meetings: Basic Principles of Meeting Design by Mike van der Vijyer

Meetings have the potential to be inspiring and productive, or boring and a waste of time.

This book explores how to take a meeting and turn it into a tool that is functional and useful every time.

Knowing how to have an effective meeting comes in handy when you’re trying to land a sponsor or planning your next ground-breaking event.

Brains on Fire: Igniting Powerful, Sustainable, Word of Mouth Movements by Robbin Phillips

Robbin Phillips brings to light some concrete and actionable information about how use word of mouth to perpetuate your brand.

This book gives you the tools you need to harness the power of word of mouth for the benefit of your company or event.

The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice by Todd Henry

Ever feel like your creativity is sporadic and hard to control? This book by Todd Henry teaches you how to gain control of your creativity, so you can produce inspired ideas when you need them.

Think of your creativity as a muscle; this book teaches you how to keep in in shape so you can use it whenever you need to.

As an event organizer, you know how vital creativity is to putting together a great event.

Grab a book and get reading! There’s always new information and helpful techniques that can help you as an event organizer.